Every year the city health department in Vineland, New Jersey, hosts a free rabies clinic during which local pet owners can bring their cats and dogs to get vaccinated by veterinarians, according to The Daily Journal. The free cat and dog vaccination clinic treated about 1,000 pets in Mid-January, and the event was so successful that the health department will be running another one in late February.

Rabies is a viral disease that nearly all animals, even people, are susceptible to contracting, and there is not yet a cure for the illness, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. This is why it is especially important to have your pets vaccinated. VCA recommends taking pets in for the rabies shot between 12 and 16 weeks of age. There may also be a need for follow-up vaccinations and your vet can provide further information on when these should be administered to your furry friend.

Rabies is transmitted through bites from rabid animals, so if you suspect that your pet has been in a fight with another animal, it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

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